Introduction to EVO ICL Surgery
EVO ICL is a type of refractive eye surgery that involves implanting a small, flexible lens inside the eye to correct nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism. Unlike the IOLs used in cataract surgery, which replace the eye’s natural lens, EVO lenses are placed in front of the natural lens, without removing it. And in contrast with LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, EVO ICL surgery leaves the cornea untouched, making it a viable option for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for other vision correction procedures.
The EVO ICL lens is made of a biocompatible material called Collamer, which is a combination of collagen and a hydrophilic copolymer. This material is designed to be lightweight, flexible, and well-tolerated by the eye, reducing the risk of complications.
Understanding the EVO ICL Procedure
The EVO ICL procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery, meaning you can go home the same day. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Preoperative Evaluation: One of CLEI’s eye doctors will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your candidacy for EVO ICL surgery. This may include measurements of your eye’s curvature, pupil size, and other factors to determine the appropriate lens size and power.
- Lens Implantation: During the surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in the side of the eye and carefully insert the EVO ICL lens into the space between the iris and the natural lens. The procedure is typically completed in about 20-30 minutes.
- Recovery: After the surgery, you’ll need to use eye drops for a few weeks to help with healing and prevent complications. Most patients report a quick recovery, and visual improvement is usually noted the day after the procedure. Vision will continue to improve over the first 3-5 days, and you may experience mild changes over the next few weeks.
Eligibility Criteria for EVO ICL Surgery
To be a suitable candidate for EVO ICL surgery, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age Limits: EVO ICL surgery is approved for patients between the ages of 21 and 45 years old.
- Stable Refractive Error: You must have a stable refractive error, meaning your vision prescription hasn’t changed for at least one year.
- Appropriate Refractive Error Range: EVO ICL is designed to correct moderate to high levels of nearsightedness. EVO ICL surgery aims to safely and effectively correct nearsightedness ranging from -3.0 D to -15.0 D, reduce nearsightedness up to -20.0 D, and treat astigmatism between 1.0 D and 4.0 D. If your nearsightedness falls within these ranges, EVO ICL surgery could help improve your distance vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, since EVO ICL specifically addresses distance vision, it won’t prevent the need for reading glasses later in life.
- Anterior Chamber Depth: The distance between the front of your eye’s iris and the front of the natural lens (known as the anterior chamber depth) must be within a specific range to ensure the proper placement of the EVO ICL lens.
- Overall Eye Health: Your eyes must be free from any significant eye diseases or conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye, which could impact the success of the EVO ICL procedure.
If you meet these eligibility criteria, you may be a good candidate for EVO ICL surgery. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified eye surgeon to determine if EVO ICL is the right choice for you.
Who Should Not Have EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is not designed to correct farsightedness. In addition, it is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or nursing.
How Long Does EVO ICL Last?
One of the key advantages of EVO ICL surgery is its long-lasting results. The EVO ICL lens is designed to be a long term solution for vision correction, with most patients experiencing clear, stable vision for many years after the procedure.
The implantable contact lens (ICL) is designed to stay in your eye permanently, but it can be removed if needed. While patients may experience minor long-term changes due to aging, these changes are typically small compared to their initial vision issues. Ten years after ICL surgery, 87% of patients remained within 1 diopter of their original correction, and fewer than 4% of ICLs were removed during that time. If necessary, laser vision correction can usually be performed to adjust for minor prescription changes.
Alternatives to EVO ICL Surgery
While EVO ICL surgery is a highly effective vision correction option, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Some alternative vision correction procedures that you may want to consider include:
- LASIK: Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. LASIK may be a good option for individuals with a wider range of refractive errors.
- PRK: Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is another type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea, but it does not require the creation of a corneal flap like LASIK.
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: For some individuals, traditional vision correction methods like eyeglasses or contact lenses may still be the best option, especially if they are not suitable candidates for refractive surgery.
It’s important to discuss all of your vision correction options with your eye surgeon to determine the best solution for your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
EVO ICL surgery has emerged as a compelling vision correction option. Getting to know the eligibility criteria can help you make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you. If you’re interested in exploring EVO ICL surgery further, we encourage you to schedule a consultation here at CLEI. Our experienced surgeons can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your vision and eye health, and help you determine if EVO ICL is the best solution for your needs.
